Wing gears up for flu season Published Nov. 16, 2009 By Staff Sgt. Heather Skinkle 419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs HILL AIR FORCE BASE, UTAH -- 419th Fighter Wing personnel can expect to receive two influenza vaccines this year - one to guard against the seasonal flu and the other to protect against the H1N1, or "swine flu" strain. Both vaccinations are mandatory for reserve members. More than 80 percent of wing personnel have already received the seasonal flu vaccination and wing medical personnel hope to inoculate the bulk of wing personnel against H1N1 when that vaccine becomes available in time for the December UTA. "The number one way to prevent catching the flu is to be vaccinated and members are encourage to get vaccinated at the earliest opportunity," said Col. Laurence Nelson, 419th Medical Squadron flight surgeon. The wing's immunization clinic, located in Bldg. 570, is open for walk-in appointments from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on UTA Saturdays. Also, personnel who are here on orders during the week may make a vaccination appointment by calling Tech. Sgt. Jake Sensenstein, 419th MDS at 777-1642. 419th members should be aware that the seasonal influenza and H1N1 vaccinations must be administered separately as research into the safety of inoculating people against both strains at the same time has not yet been completed, according to the Centers for Disease Control. "Also, if we inoculated people with both strains at the same time and in the small chance someone had a reaction we wouldn't know which strain caused it," said Col. Laurence Nelson, 419th Medical Squadron flight surgeon. While vaccinations are the cornerstone to flu prevention, medical personnel stress a few common sense measures that are crucial to preventing the spread of illness. "Make sure to wash hands frequently, cough or sneeze into a tissue instead of a hand, and dispose of used tissues immediately," said Staff Sgt. Jason Reininger, NCOIC of the wing's immunization clinic. "Cold and influenza viruses live on home and office surfaces like phones and keyboards for a long time so keep them disinfected to prevent the spread of germs," Colonel Nelson added. As for flu symptoms, there's little difference between the seasonal and H1N1 strains. Early warning signs for both include a runny nose, cough, and mild fever. "If you have these symptoms, you should stay at home and rest," Sergeant Reininger said. Those infected should stay away from public places and should wait at least 24 hours after their fever breaks to return to work to help protect others who are at risk. The CDC recommends seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccinations for people with a high risk of contacting the flu or developing complications from the flu. This includes pregnant women, people in childcare, health care, emergency personnel, persons six months to 24 years of age, and adults with chronic health disorders or weak immune systems. For more information, contact the wing immunizations clinic at 777-5209 or visit http://www.cdc.gov.